The network, designed by HunTel Engineering, will consist of a 10-Gbps Ethernet transport ring connecting multiple Calix platforms, which will include the Calix C7 Multiservice Access Platform (MSAP) and the E7 Ethernet Service Access Platform (ESAP). Each residence, business, and community institution will receive services via gigabit passive optical network (GPON) technology terminating on a variety of Calix 700GE optical network terminals (ONTs).

The award given to Southwest Telephone Exchange, which includes plant engineering, materials, labor, and other costs, including access equipment, totals $6 million, including a $4.1 million grant and a $1.9 million loan.

“Building a robust broadband infrastructure is critical to creating jobs and economic opportunities in our communities in southwest Iowa,” said Bryan Nelson, plant manager at Southwest Telephone Exchange’s parent company Interstate 35 Telephone. “This stimulus award will be transformational to our communities, providing over 1600 residents and businesses what we believe will be one of the most advanced broadband networks in the nation. We look forward to working with our long-time partner Calix to deploy this state-of-the-art network, bringing superior broadband services to the local residents and laying a strong foundation for economic development throughout the region.”

Aggregate Calix vendor selections by broadband stimulus winners for “last mile” BIP awards has now reached 19 different projects representing approximately $216 million in stimulus-related grants, loans, and private investment for plant engineering, materials, labor, and other costs, including access equipment.